We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sheri Williams Pannell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Sheri Williams, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
Resilience is a quality which has been attributed to me by those who have witnessed an ability to overcome life challenges. Surviving a challenge and emerging stronger is an ability I witnessed in my mother. She practiced her faith and did not allow herself to become bitter, no matter the outcome of the situation. Following her example, I believe forgiveness is crucial for resilience.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
As a thespian, I feel so blessed to be immersed in my passion. At the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Peck School of the Arts, I head the Musical Theatre Program. My work at PSOA involves recruiting, advising and teaching cohorts of talented young people who can sing, dance, and act. Triple threats! April of 2024, I am directing ONCE UPON A MATTRESS in our MainStage Theatre.
I am also a founder and producing artistic director at Bronzeville Arts Ensemble (BAE). This is our tenth anniversary season. We are celebrating by producing new work in a 200 seat theatre in the Martin Luther King Community Center in Milwaukee! November 6, 2023 BAE joined over 60 organizations in the reading of anti-gun violence plays which were written by teens. Other original productions include A King Birthday Celebration (January 2024), La’Ketta’s Caldwell’s Khloe’s Beautiful Blues (February), and Shahanna McKinney Baldon’s The Madame Goldye Steiner Story (Spring 2024).
I enjoy directing and playwriting. My research is often focused on untold stories from the history of Milwaukee’s African American community and relevant contemporary issues.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three qualities which are most impactful on my journey are empathy, listening, and resilience. Empathy can assist an artist in gaining an understanding of the journey of the characters your play. Listening is a skill you use as you study, rehearse, and while performing. Actually, listening complements empathy. A career in the performing arts is fulfilling, but it can also be heart breaking. Resilience has assisted me through disappointing moments like not getting cast in a show or a tough critical review. I advise young theatre artists to continue to learn and maintain their theatre skills. Also, be the ensemble member people desire to work with in the rehearsal hall and onstage. This means being punctual and prepared. Be kind, don’t participate in gossiping. Be a light!
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
Everyday, I think of my mother who sacrificed to pay for instrumental music and dance lessons, transportation to lessons, and costumes. When I was a child, she and I would harmonize while singing hymns and spirituals. My mother did not encourage me to seek a career in arts but her investment in me laid a foundation for the career I now enjoy! She demonstrated a faith in God that carried her through painful losses and cancer. My dad was a great storyteller who would captivate his audience with fanciful voices and exaggerated facial expressions. They have both transitioned. Their lessons remain fresh in my mind.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.blackartsmke.org/mke-black-theater/bronzeville-arts-ensemble/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=kJUNkRrwshs.
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXi1bfkoMxQ
Image Credits
Pat A. Robinson Don E. Pannell
